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I was recalling, ref where we came in on this Big and
Brassy/Caseless Ammo thing, that red-hot rivets were
commonly dropped into metal pipes for rapid transit to
the depths of a ship under construction. That was the
system I was thinking of for rapid moving of brass
shell-cases into the depths of the ship.
I was also recalling that REME sent 900 tons of brass
tank and artillery shell-cases mostly from the battle at
El Alamein back to the UK - to be asked what on earth they
thought they were doing AND the cases had scorpions in them!
The man who'd sent them said the convoy ships were returning
empty anyway AND people who'd picked up the shell-cases had
indeed noticed the scorpions and were using sticks or tongs
to lift the cases with! And that pumping "dry fume" (carbon
monoxide, mostly) from the engine room into the hold was the
standard disinfection routine for ships' holds - as every
ship's captain knew.
I was also recalling that the South African company - De
Beers' name came to mind - that was supplying the UK with
copper and zinc for cartridge/shell brass was GERMAN owned.
Also ref the sixty or so memos the War Office received about
the use of brass cases that various regiments had regimental
funds invested in copper and zinc supplying companies - and
presumably still do?
Also, don't I recall CARDBOARD shell cases - about 4" diameter
and 15" long? With metal caps like shotgun cases?
Regards
Norman Bassett
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